Owen linked to Man United move

Rumors have surfaced with Manchester United being the latest club to be linked to striker Michael Owen, but the club have refused be drawn into the speculation.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker, who is out of contract after his deal with Newcastle United expired in June, did not return for pre-season training with Newcastle.

The 29 year-old forward scored 10 goals in all competitions last season, although an ankle injury and groin operation severely disrupted his season.

Any deal for Owen would be subject to the striker passing a stringent medical, which could take place as early as Friday, given his frequent injury problems over the last few years.

“We don’t comment on transfer rumours,” a Red Devils spokesman told BBC Sport.

United are in need of strikers with the departures of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and a possible move for Frazier Campbell as well.

The departure of those two players has left United manager Sir Alex Ferguson with a shortage of strikers, with Frazier Campbell also likely to be sold.

But on the other side Injury still remains an issue with the striker, with Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce ruling out a move for the striker earlier this week regarding his history with injuries.

“I just question the injury scenario,” said Allardyce.

“I need a striker that’s going to be available for 30 games next season. That’s not happened for Michael over the last four years.”

After Newcastle were relegated to the Championship, Owen expressed his desire to remain in the Premier League.

Owen was widely reported to be earning more than £100,000-a-week at Newcastle after signing a four-year deal when he moved from Real Madrid in August 2005 for a club record fee of £16m, though his wages are unlikely to be a problem for the Old Trafford club.

However, his time on Tyneside was marred by injury problems, as he suffered a broken metatarsal bone, knee ligament damage sustained at the 2006 World Cup, as well as a double hernia operation and a thigh problem.

The forward has made 79 appearances for the Magpies and scored 30 goals in four seasons.

If Owen does move to Old Trafford it would revive the former Liverpool striker’s hopes of resurrecting his international hopes and taking part in the 2010 World Cup.